BA (Hons) History and Politics – 4-year sandwich program with a work placement

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered how past events influence today’s political decisions—or how governments, revolutions, and social movements shape our world—this course is designed for you. The BA (Hons) History and Politics degree at Portsmouth lets you explore both subjects together, giving you the tools to understand how the past informs the present while preparing you for careers that make an impact.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year introduces you to the key ideas and systems that define both history and politics. Through modules like Analysing Politics: Britain and Beyond, Discovering World Histories: Peoples and Places, and Political Thought, you’ll explore how societies have evolved, how governments operate, and how power and identity shape our world.

Year 2 – Exploring Change and Connection
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into how ideas, revolutions, and activism transform societies. Modules such as Revolutions and Activism: History and Politics and Changing the World help you connect the dots between historical movements and modern issues. You can also choose options like Underworlds: Crime, Deviance and Punishment in Britain, 1500–1900 to tailor your studies to your interests.

Year 3 – Work Placement (Real-World Experience)
This is your chance to put theory into practice. You’ll spend a year working in a professional setting—perhaps in a museum, government office, law firm, or charity—where you’ll gain valuable experience, build your network, and see how historical and political knowledge apply to real-life situations.

Year 4 – Specialisation and Research
In your final year, you’ll return to campus ready to specialise. Choose modules like Transitional Justice and Human Rights or The European Union: A Global Power in the Making? and complete a dissertation on a topic you care about. You’ll graduate with strong research, analysis, and communication skills—ready to shape the future by understanding the past.

Focus Areas:
Global history, political systems, revolutions, social justice, activism, research, and public policy

Learning Outcomes:
Analytical and critical thinking, independent research, communication and presentation skills, and real-world experience through work placement

Professional Alignment:
Although not tied to a specific professional accreditation, this course is built around career readiness. You’ll receive full support from the University’s Careers and Employability Service and gain hands-on experience through your placement year—making you stand out to employers.

Reputation:
The University of Portsmouth is recognised among the UK’s top modern universities for research quality in Area Studies (REF 2021) and ranks highly for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Portsmouth, you don’t just study history and politics — you live them. From the very first year, the course is designed to take you beyond lectures and essays, helping you connect classroom theory to real-world events, debates, and professional practice. You’ll learn by doing, thinking, exploring, and engaging with the past and present in ways that feel relevant and inspiring.

Whether you’re investigating political change through a museum archive, debating global issues in a Model UN simulation, or working on placement alongside policy professionals, you’ll constantly be developing the transferable skills employers want — research, communication, problem-solving, and leadership.

Here’s how experiential learning is woven through your journey:

A full work placement year – In your third year, you’ll have the chance to work in a professional environment that aligns with your interests — from government offices, NGOs, and heritage organisations to media outlets and law firms. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build connections, and graduate with a year of practical work experience on your CV.
Immersive field trips – You’ll explore key historical and political landmarks, including the National Museum of the Royal Navy, local heritage sites along the South Coast, and the Houses of Parliament in London. These visits bring your studies to life and give you a tangible sense of how political and historical institutions operate.
Model United Nations simulation – Take part in a simulated UN debate where you’ll represent a country, negotiate global issues, and practice diplomacy and public speaking — a real test of persuasion and teamwork.
Access to exceptional learning spaces – The University Library, rated among the best in the UK, provides a dedicated area for History and Politics students with rich archives, digital databases, and special collections. You’ll also have access to multimedia tools and the Digital Hub for research and presentations.
Foreign language learning – With the Global Languages Programme, you can learn a new language like Arabic, Japanese, or Spanish for free, giving you a valuable global edge for careers in diplomacy, law, or international relations.
Research-led teaching and collaboration – You’ll be taught by historians and political scientists who are part of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR) — a globally recognised institute. You’ll get opportunities to contribute to live projects and learn how professional researchers investigate real political and social issues.
Team projects and independent research – Many modules encourage group analysis of case studies, political debates, or historical events, helping you develop collaboration and leadership skills while also refining your individual voice through essays, policy reports, and your final-year dissertation.

All these experiences help you grow into a confident, well-rounded graduate who understands not just what happened in the world — but why it matters today and how to shape what happens next.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from Portsmouth opens doors to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. The mix of analytical thinking, research experience, and communication skills you’ll gain is highly valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. Whether you want to influence policy, work in cultural institutions, or engage in global issues, this degree gives you the flexibility to follow your passion and build a career with purpose.

Typical graduate roles include:

Policy Officer or Public Affairs Advisor
Museum or Heritage Curator
Political Analyst or Research Assistant
Communications or Media Executive

Here’s how Portsmouth helps you turn your degree into a career:

Personalised Career Support: The Careers and Employability Service supports you throughout your studies and for up to five years after graduation, helping you find internships, placements, and full-time roles that match your interests.
Excellent Graduate Outcomes: Around 90% of Portsmouth graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, showing the real-world value of your education.
Strong Industry Links: Students have gained placements and internships with leading organisations such as the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the House of Commons, and the Ministry of Defence, giving them experience in professional environments where history and politics truly meet.
Work Placement Advantage: The built-in sandwich year ensures you graduate with a full year of work experience, making you more competitive in today’s job market.
Long-Term Value: While this course isn’t tied to a professional accreditation, the combination of academic rigour and practical experience gives you a strong foundation for lasting career success.
Graduate Earnings: Graduates from Portsmouth’s history and politics degrees earn a median salary of around £23,000 within 15 months, reflecting their strong employability and readiness for the world of work.

Further Academic Progression

If you want to keep exploring your interests, you can continue your studies with a Master’s in History, Politics, or International Relations, or even pursue a PhD to develop advanced research expertise. Portsmouth’s postgraduate options allow you to specialise in areas like global governance, contemporary history, or human rights — building directly on what you’ve learned in your undergraduate degree.